Business Development Executive

Business Development Executive – Education /Ed-tech sector 

Are you looking for a Business Development role in a fast-growing business where people are at the heart of everything we do?

Would you like to work within a socially conscious organisation that is making a real impact in the education sector?

The company 

The Key is the country’s most trusted provider of knowledge and know-how to education leaders determined to make a difference. We provide authoritative, up-to-the-minute sector intelligence, tools, services and resources that give leaders the knowledge to act. 

The role

We are looking for a Business Development Executive to join our Sales team. The Business Development Executive plays a pivotal role in supporting the growth and development of The Key within a designated portfolio of accounts. The primary focus is on generating leads, nurturing prospects, and assisting in the conversion of opportunities into successful partnerships.  You will:

• Collaborate with senior team members to meet monthly, quarterly, and annual sales targets, adapting strategies and activities as necessary.
• Assist in building and cultivating a robust pipeline of leads through commercial activities and proactive outbound prospecting efforts.
• Support in identifying and targeting potential clients, including Multi Academy Trusts, Local Authority Services, and commercial partners, to explore and leverage revenue-generating opportunities.
• Contribute to accurate sales forecasting and pipeline control by actively participating in the development of close plans and defining next steps to advance opportunities towards closure.
• Aid in pitching and selling to prospect trusts and federations through various channels, including telephone, written communications, presentations, and networking events.
• Engage in continuous internal and external training, receiving coaching and mentoring to enhance skills and contribute to professional growth within the role.
• Assist in negotiations to secure favourable revenue outcomes for The Key while prioritising the maintenance of long-term relationships.
• Develop a foundational understanding of the education sector, particularly in relation to school leadership, governance, and trust dynamics, to support effective sales consultations.
• Contribute to the identification of decision-makers and opportunities through networking, relationship building, and research efforts.
• Represent The Key as a professional brand ambassador, actively participating in networking opportunities, conferences, and industry events.
• Ensure accurate documentation of all activities on company systems (e.g., Salesforce), including sales interactions, pipeline management, and forecasting.
• Assist in researching and analysing the market potential within the designated territory, including school groups, multi-academy trusts, and existing Key advocates.
• Contribute to the development and maintenance of a regional sales plan, outlining tactical approaches and operational activities to support both short-term and long-term strategic objectives.
• Collaborate closely with colleagues across various departments, such as research, marketing, account management, and member support, to leverage company knowledge and resources effectively.
• Liaise with the Member Success teams to facilitate smooth transitions, effective onboarding processes, and positive customer experiences.
• Gather and share relevant intelligence about the education sector, customer needs, competitors, and strategic relationships to inform company decision-making.

The ideal person

• This role will suit an individual who is adaptable, self-starting and inquisitive.
• Demonstrated drive and motivation to achieve targets, with a strong work ethic and commitment to company interests.
• Exhibit empathy and understanding in customer interactions, adopting a creative solution-focused approach to sales.
• Excellent presentation skills and confidence in delivering effective presentations to diverse audiences.
• Adaptability, initiative, and a proactive approach to taking ownership of revenue targets and necessary sales activities.

Nice to have:

• Understanding of the English education sector and experience working with school and trust leaders.
• Familiarity with local authorities, Multi Academy Trusts, and alliances/clusters of schools.
• Experience in subscription sales, particularly in selling SaaS and cloud-based support services.

If you don’t meet all of the above but have a genuine interest in joining our team please get in touch – we’d be very happy to chat. 

Why work for us

We place huge importance on caring for and developing our people. If you join us you can expect a good work-life balance and the training and support you need to succeed in your role and continue to progress. We are a socially conscious company, but one that also likes to have fun. We offer a generous holiday allowance, flexible hours, buying and selling holiday, enhanced maternity pay, free breakfast, fruit, and drinks, regular socials and much more.

How to apply

Please upload your CV and covering letter below. In your cover letter please explain why you think you would be right for this role, how your experience fits, and why you would like to work at The Key

The deadline for applications is 5pm on Friday 29th November.

If you have any questions please email recruitment@thekeysupport.com.